| Parkeljc31. 08. 2018 20:49:13 |
The trail took me again to the highest peak of Serbia. Actually I hesitated between the second highest Dupljak and Midžor, but at the junction chose the latter. Just this time to the summit via ridge variant. Since morning departure from parking was early enough, I had sunny and warm weather. Almost no wind. Not even on the ridge, where I expected it. Last year it blew so strong we had to hold backpacks so they wouldn't fly away.
Somewhere in the second half of the path I catch up with a larger group of local hikers, with whom we chat on top later. They even offered me a ride to Musala start. But alas, Musala will have to wait until… 
Reach summit in 1.5 hours and was alone for a while, then the mentioned hikers started arriving. Next half hour we chat about everything, each knew someone from Slovenia, but sadly I knew none  . Some mountain guides and it surprised me that they didn't know their second highest peak Dupljak (2032m), which is good 1-2 hours from Midžor. Also this time visibility despite nice weather not ideal. Wanted views right to Bulgaria, but as said.. 
In shade under concrete pillar marking summit rested friendly dog, no one knew where it came from. And when I left back, it followed me right to start. Of course I pitied it, for good company got whole sandwich, rinsed with water from my hands. And as it appeared, so it disappeared at the end  .
Locals like to say wild horses graze on the plateau and luck needed to see them. And while descending, it stopped and stared into distance, to the ridge under which our path runs. Only then I saw those "wild" horses. Well, that they weren't, I realized later when closer to herd and heard bell  . So much for wild horses  .
On the way stop also at Žarkova Čuka, peak about 50m above path (though sign said 100m), 1848m high. At foot of Čuka "parked" car which blueberry pickers use. Nearby another SUV parked. In car full buckets of blueberries. And indeed lots everywhere. Since dog stopped in shade by car, first thought it's theirs, but panted with me to top. Tongue dragging on ground so thought he'd step on it. On Čuka watered it like my own.
Just half hour to start and that's it for today.
Whole path really hot. And closer to start, more thought about pool by inn, how to convince owner to refresh upon arrival. Pondered all way how, since no swim trunks. Well, when tested water temp, desire gone instantly. Yeah, had to stick to ice cold beer. Though pic would be phenomenal . Would fit "unbelievable but true". Consoled that no one swam before or after me.
Also info that since last year they resurfaced quite some km of road, esp. upper part, some km still needed .
At end some "flowers" in pics, seems normal here. Don't dare think what would happen to hribi.net portal if at home Probably crash in half hour from comments. Attach links so no one thinks not true.. pics public.
1. https://forum.bjbikers.com/index.php?/topic/116156-mid%C5%BEor-2016/
2. http://www.klubputnika.org/zbirka/putopisi/1593-midzor
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